All work and no play makes summoners RAGE

EternalNoob·9/8/2014, 6:26:18 AM·2 votes·803 views

So I just started high school a few weeks ago and I was so excited until my mom asked me to hand over my computer. Every Sunday night i give them my laptop for the whole week. I go to school an hour away. Ok so here is the problem.

I go to school at 5 am. I leave at 3 pm. I start driving home at 330 pm. I arrive at 430-500 pm. I usually have 1-2 hours of work. Then dinner at 730 and bed at 830. Most of the time, i finish work by the time we are home leaving me with about 4 hours to do nothing. I ask for my computer but they wont give it to me on a weekday no matter what. Even if they check our grades website and see that i am done with my work they dont give it. Any parents or anyone out there with advice? Tired

4 Comments

Tulare9/8/2014, 12:33:54 PM2 votes

Don't rage at your parents. It will not produce the results that you desire. I don't know how your relationship with your folks is but this seems like an opportunity to communicate and negotiate. You've assumed that your grades are what concerns them and you're probably correct. Speculating, I'd guess they're afraid that if they permit you computer time "if your work is done", then it gives you an incentive to do a hasty, careless job. If you want to approach them about it, then here are some specific steps I'd suggest:

Tell them that you'd like some computer time during the week.
State what you believe is their concern. Ask them to confirm/clarify.
Propose a moderate compromise. For example, explain/show them that a typical game of LoL is about 45 minutes and request one game a night, before dinner.
If they agree to your compromise, hold up your end of the bargain. Do not violate even the spirit of the agreement. If you have extra homework one night, don't rush it to make time for your game. Don't plead for a second game even if the first one is terrible. (If your team surrenders at 20 or something, I'd say it's probably fair to ASK for a second game but accept their decision.)
If they do not agree to your compromise, ask them if they have an alternate plan that would permit you some computer time.
Accept their decision. Getting into a fight over this is unlikely to get you what you want and will not build up the respect and trust from your parents that is crucial if you want more freedom in the future.